Lollies You're Not The Boss of Me Blog
Safe Zone Parenting Fail
Friday 13th January 2023
I wanted to try out something I heard on a parenting podcast. So I said to my kids (aged 5 and 7) "If you guys say ‘safe zone' you can tell me anything and I'm not allowed to shout or be cross. And if ever you think I'm being too cross, say ‘safe zone' and I will stop and listen to you."
They looked at me thoughtfully, taking this in. Then the 5yo immediately started pelting me with objects, yelling "safe zone!" after each attack, like it was a magical loophole granting him amnesty from all wrong-doing. And now I wasn't even allowed to yell stop. In trying to install a safe zone, I have made myself much less safe.
